The Artist, Layer 1

>You put the finishing touches on the painting.
>It looks good, if you say so yourself.
>It's one of Bob Ross's paintings, Autumn Splendor.
>You smile at your work, before removing your apron, trying not to knock off your beret in the process.
>You hear the hoofsteps behind you, and you turn around. seeing that it's your landlord, Twilight Sparkle.
>"Hi, Anon!"
>You nod to her.
>She notices your painting, and she smiles.
>"Wow, great painting as always!"
>'Thank you,' you sign, after putting your palette down.
>Oh yes, I didn't mention. You're mute.
>"Of course!"
>Her enthusiasm brings a grin to your face.
>It took a while, but maybe you can put up with these ponies after all...

>Later that day, you're out and about in Ponyville.
>You wave to the ponies you pass by, while acknowledging that everybody seems to have something to do today.
>You're a tad envious, due to how bored you are right now.
>You could paint some more, but you only remember so many episodes of The Joy of Painting.
>You sit down on a bench after a while, taking in the scenery, before closing your eyes, basking in Celestia's sun.
>After a while, you feel a presence.
>You turn to your left, seeing that Applejack is sitting down next to you.
>You wave, while pulling out your notepad from your back pocket.
>"Howdy, Anon."
>You pull out a pen, clicking it, and quickly write 'Hello, Applejack. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?'
>"Nothing much, other than just a small favor you still owe me."
>Goddamnit, you forgot about that...
>You silently sigh, and write 'What do you need?'
>"Just some fillysitting for Applebloom."
>'Sounds easy enough,' you write, feeling relieved.
>She laughs at your ignorance.
>"You'd be surprised, there."
>You smirk, then write 'Come on, how hard can it be?'

>A few hours later, you're in Everfree Forest looking for the Crusaders.
>Goddamnit, Applejack can't find out about this.
>You run into a manticore many times, and, as the saying goes, get in the car the same amount of times.
>Except you don't have a car and you get mauled instead.
>By now your ass has been kicked, twice-cooked, and handed to you.
>You do manage to reach Zecora's house, thankfully.
>You knock on the door thrice, and it opens soon after.
>"Good day, Anon, how do you do? Were you looking for the crusaders, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo?"
>You nod, praying she has them with her.
>"Unfortunately they left a while ago. I apologize if the news has you reach a new low."
>You pull out your notepad, and write 'No no, it's fine. Where did they say they were going?'
>"They were returning home, or so they said. You should hurry if you want them to get in bed."
>'Ok, thanks Zecora,' you write.
>She nods, before you turn around and leave.

>You manage to make it to Sweet Apple Acres, to catch Applebloom trying to sneak back in bed.
>You walk up to her, and grab her...pony equivalent of a shoulder.
>She turns around, and jumps when she sees you.
>You begin to furiously sign 'Applebloom! What were you thinking?! You had me worried!' before remembering she doesn't know sign language.
>"Huh?"
>You facepalm before pulling out your notepad and pen, writing down what you just signed.
>"I wanted to get my Cutie Mark..."
>You write, in reply, 'No excuse! Go to your room right now!'
>"I was on my way, anyway..."
>She turns around sadly, and sulks to her room.
>You follow, and enter her room.
>She jumps into bed, under the covers.
>You decide to throw her a bone for at least coming back safe, and tuck her in.
>She smiles at your forgiveness.
>"Anon, can I read that story of how you came to Equestria?"
>You write 'Of course!'
>You fish another notepad out of your notepad, labeled 'How I came to Equestria,' before handing it to her.
>She opens it, as you close your eyes to remember the oh-so-familiar tale...